Open Door Group relocates to VCC’s Downtown campus

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Open Door Group, a registered charity, recently opened the doors to three new WorkBC Employment Services Centres in the Downtown Eastside, including a satellite office to deliver employment services on-site at the Vancouver Community College (VCC) Downtown campus.

The new collaboration provides many opportunities for VCC students and the neighbouring community. The employment centre is open to all local job seekers within the Downtown Eastside catchment, spanning the full distance from Gastown to Nanaimo Street. The move will increase access to direct employment services for those who frequent VCC.

Open Door Group is now located on the second floor of VCC, above the entrance at 250 West Pender St. The scope of services offered at the employment services centre includes one-on-one career counselling and case management, workshops, assessments, and job placement services.

Through the WorkBC program, Open Door Group also offers specialized services for job seekers who may face barriers to employment. These include persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, older workers, youth, and Indigenous People, among others. In addition to providing direct services, the employment centre staff advise job seekers on various skills upgrading and training programs, VCC being one of those providers. 

“At VCC, we are focused on improving opportunities at the college through partnerships with criteria based on what is good for our students, the community, and employers. This new collaboration is a great example of building strength by working with other organizations,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, VCC President and CEO.

“Open Door Group is committed to lifelong learning and career success for all individuals,” said Tom Burnell, CEO of Open Door Group. “This move from one location to three locations allows us to increase access points to employment services in the Downtown Eastside, and continue serving the full range of diversity that exists within this community through strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations.”

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VCC has been helping students reach their career and educational goals for over 50 years. With three campuses located in Downtown Vancovuer, on East Broadway, and on Annacis Island, VCC offers post-secondary training in over 120 programs including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeships in areas including culinary arts, business, design, health sciences, hospitality, transportation trade, and music.